State public safety director resigns

George Togliatti, director of the Department of Public Safety for nearly three years, has submitted his resignation effective Jan. 1.

Togliatti was appointed to the post by Gov. Kenny Guinn on Jan. 8, 2004. He brought an extensive law enforcement and management background to the director’s position, including 23 years with the FBI. He retired from federal service as head of the FBI’s organized crime unit in Las Vegas.

Togliatti’s three-paragraph letter to Guinn said he would be available to Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons to help with the transition to a new director.

The Department of Public Safety consists of a dozen divisions with roles as diverse as the Nevada Highway Patrol, Division of Emergency Management and fire marshal. It has more than 1,500 employees.

Togliatti’s resignation adds one more position to the list Gibbons must fill. Another key post is the director of the Department of Corrections, which will be vacated by the retirement of Glen Whorton in February.